"The deal for Karnataka Congress is finalised; in November, DK Shivakumar will become the new Chief Minister, and Siddaramaiah will be made to resign citing old age. Is it Kharge ji's turn next? Preparations for a repeat of Sitaram Kesri ji's dhoti-stripping scandal in various places?" Du
Amid growing political speculation about a possible mid-term change at the helm of the Karnataka government, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah dismissed the BJP's claims of internal rift among senior state leaders.
Apprising reporters about the revised amount for the Yettinahole project, Siddaramaiah stated that the project, which would cost Rs 23,251 crore, is essentially a drinking water project for which the state government has spent Rs 17,147 crore to date.
Speaking after visiting the Bhoga Nandishwara Temple, Siddaramaiah said, "What BJP says is only lies. You (media) only don't believe what they say. They're known for lies. They don't know speaking the truth. Doesn't matter whether they believe it or not, we are all together."
Speaking to the mediapersons, Shivakumar said, "What option do I have? I have to stand by him and support him. I don't have any objection to it, whatever the party high command tell and whatever they decides it will be fulfilled."
The clarification came amid speculation of a power tussle in the Karnataka unit of the Congress after the party formed the government in the State in 2023. Siddaramiah is the current Chief Minister, and DK Shivakumar is the Deputy Chief Minister.
In the Kanwar Yatra procession, Kanwariyas collect water from a river and carry it hundreds of kilometres to offer it to the shrines of Lord Shiva. Devotees across the country perform worship, fasting and pilgrimage dedicated to the Lord Shiva.
"AICC general secretaries are meeting to discuss party organisation issues and accept requests from MLAs, but there is no discussion about changing the CM or expanding the cabinet," Shivakumar, who is also the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president, said.
"There is no change of leadership. I don't want anyone's support. My priority is for them (the party legislators) to win back the assembly elections," Shivakumar told ANI.
Earlier on Tuesday, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge clarified that there is "no discontentment", "no talks of change in CM's face", asserting that Siddaramaiah is the Chief Minister, DK Shivakumar his deputy and Karnataka unit President.